Published on January 18, 2016

Maybe a Baby? Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

As potential parents, you likely have a lot of questions about how to have a healthy pregnancy. Our Maybe a Baby resource hub provides information and tips as you plan for a baby as well as during and after pregnancy.

For example, Avera OB care providers offer the following tips for planning:

Plan a pre-conception visit with the health care professional you will see throughout your pregnancy. Have a complete physical examination
Talk about any prescription medications you or your partner are taking for a pre-existing medical problem, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
Review your family health histories, and know the ethnic origins of each parent. Certain tests are recommended if both parents are of Mediterranean, Jewish or African American descent.
Consider genetic counseling if you know of family history of genetic diseases, birth defects or miscarriage.
Make sure your immunizations are up to date.
Begin taking prenatal vitamins and a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms daily six months before conception.
Stop smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, illicit drug use or unnecessary medication use.
Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise:
- Very underweight or overweight women have increased risk.
- Increase folic acid consumption; eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables.
- Avoid megadoses of any vitamins, especially A, B6, C, or D and iodine.
Avoid eating undercooked meat or sushi. Avoid cat litter or bird droppings to prevent exposure to toxoplasmosis.
Live as if you are pregnant before you conceive — most birth defects occur in the first six weeks after conception. You may not even know you are pregnant at that point.
The best prenatal care is pre-conception care. The best assurance of a healthy pregnancy is the good health of the mother and father.